Episode shows importance of press freedom
Claire Rewcastle Brown, the London-based journalist who was among key personalities behind exposes on the 1MDB affair, said she was relieved to see the “most powerful in the country” brought to justice, following the arrest of former prime minister Najib Razak.
Claire, who was wanted by Malaysian police following reports on the troubled state firm published in her website Sarawak Report, said the whole 1MDB episode showed the importance of ensuring press freedom so that leaders are accountable for their actions.
“For three years as I tried to report the facts of this case and to present worrying information that deserved to be aired and properly investigated. I found myself hounded by the then authorities,” Claire told FMT.
“The Malaysian people need an independent media and independent judiciary and police force and I am grateful this is being recognised in the many structural changes we presently see underway.”
She said journalists can get things wrong, but they reap the consequences for mistakes in terms of reputation and can be sued for malicious errors.
“However, they should not be silenced or prosecuted as criminals in the way I was for challenging Najib over 1MDB.”
Meanwhile, Swiss whistleblower Xavier Justo, who brought the 1MDB scandal into the global spotlight, is overjoyed to hear Najib's arrest. Justo added that the arrest marked a great day for Malaysia and for justice.
The former Petrosaudi International executive implicated PetroSaudi owner Tarek Obaid and its chief investment officer Patrick Mahony.
According to him, it will only be over for the Justo family when all the culprits are in jail. "It's not the end, but an extraordinary day to celebrate!" said Justo.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) picked up Najib from his home in Taman Duta, Kuala Lumpur, this afternoon. He will be charged tomorrow.
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